Women in Energy Field Experience: The Role of Salt in Hydrocarbon Exploitation, Energy Storage and Carbon-reduction Mechanisms, Paradox Basin, Utah and Colorado

A course aimed at women working in the energy industry as geoscientists, with a technical focus on salt tectonics.

Description

This course is aimed exclusively at women working in the energy industry, particularly in the geoscience, geotechnical and engineering fields. The primary technical goal is to provide a widely applicable introduction to the interrelationship between sedimentation and structural geology with a particular focus on salt tectonics and salt-sediment interaction. The geology is examined with reference to energy production, including hydrocarbon exploration and production, along with discussions around energy transition topics (CCUS, geothermal, hydrogen and energy storage). While the technical aspects are paramount, the course is also designed to provide networking and professional development opportunities. Evening discussions and activities will allow for exchange of ideas and experiences in a supportive and open atmosphere.

Tutor(s)

Kate Giles: Professor Earth Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso

Cindy Yeilding: NE Director, Denbury Inc.

Duration and Logistics

A 5-day field course starting and finishing in Grand Junction, Colorado, comprising a mixture of field exercises, activities and networking.

Level and Audience

Fundamental. This course requires a basic understanding of geoscience and will suit those working in the geoscience, geotechnical and engineering fields. The aim is to facilitate knowledge and experience exchange among the participants, so is open to women from a very wide range of experience levels.

Exertion Level

This course requires a MODERATE exertion level. There will be hikes to outcrops of up to 6.5km (4 miles) round trip. Some of these will encounter uneven and rocky ground with some short, steep inclines. The climate in southern Utah is typically warm to hot and dry with temperatures up to 37.5°C (100°F) and the elevation is between 1,250–1,500m (4,000–5,000 ft).

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Describe the regional stratigraphy and principal structural features of the Paradox Basin, Utah.
  2. Characterize and interpret controls on Paradox Basin salt-related structures and key features of passive diapiric systems, including halokinetic sequences, caprock development, non-evaporite stringers / inclusions, welds, megaflaps, counter-regional faults, radial faults and burial wedges.
  3. Examine stratal geometries and halokinetic sequences and how these relate to intervals of salt inflation / evacuation and sediment flux.
  4. Assess the controls on basin fill architecture, fluid flow and deformation within the Paradox Basin and compare this to analogous salt basins worldwide.
  5. Understand the importance of salt basins to the energy industry for hydrocarbon production.

Course Content

This course is principally an introduction to the interrelationship between sedimentation and structural geology with a particular focus on salt tectonics and salt-sediment interaction. However, the structure of the trip is designed to allow women to connect and develop a network of female colleagues from all experience levels and wide backgrounds within the energy industry. Participants will build confidence, advance professional development and learn from others in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Itinerary*
Day 1 – Grand Junction to Moab
Theme: Seeing the Bigger Picture
Field location: Castle Valley

  • Stratigraphy and halokinetic sequences
  • Secondary weld traverse and weld characteristics
  • Halokinetic tilted oil / water contact in Permian eolian dune reservoir
  • Discussion of counter-regional fault / weld

Afternoon photo op at mini-arch and evening icebreaker. Overnight in Moab

Day 2 – Onion Creek
Theme: Challenging Dogma
Field locations: Fisher Valley Salt Wall and Stinkin’ Spring

  • Non-evaporite inclusions and stringers
  • Burial wedges and halokinetic sequences
  • Caprock shear zones
  • Salt shoulder, gravitational, syndepositional chevron folds and radial faults

Dinner with speaker. Challenging dogma and outlook on energy careers going forward. Overnight in Moab

Day 3 – Paradox Valley and Big Gypsum Valley Salt Wall
Theme: Expecting the Unexpected
Field locations: Paradox Valley and Big Gypsum Valley Salt Wall

  • Observe the relationships that give the area its name
  • Detailed examination of 3-D exposure of a megaflap and mini-basin tectonostratigraphic sequences
  • Fracture networks and radial faults
  • Review and discussion - case study on the evolution of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico deepwater basin

Evening fireside chats and group discussion. Overnight in Gateway Canyon Resort

Day 4 – Little Gypsum Valley Salt Wall
Theme: Transitions
Field locations: Gypsum Valley Bridge Canyon and Dolores River outcrops

  • Examination of diapir caprock (gypsum and carbonate)
  • Non-evaporite inclusions / stringers
  • Halokinetic sequences and Chinle burial wedge

Evening scavenger hunt. Overnight in Gateway Canyon Resort

Day 5 – Sinbad Valley and return to Grand Junction
Theme: Sailing Home
Field locations: Sinbad Valley Salt Wall

  • Vista view of megaflap
  • Counter-regional faulting and stratal geometry
  • Examine non-evaporite inclusions within the diapir and oil seep at diapir margin

Return to Grand Junction Airport

*All activities subject to change based on conditions, accessibility and availability

The Course Includes:

  • All transportation costs from the start to the end of the course, including the services of professional drivers.
  • All accommodation costs for the nights stated.
  • All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, except for any dinners marked "free evening".
  • Entry fees and activity fees, where arranged as part of the course.
  • All service charges and gratuities in hotels and restaurants.

The Course Excludes:

  • Transportation to the start venue or from the end venue of the course. Air fares are not included.
  • Personal expenditures, including bar bills, laundry bills, and the cost of meals on any free evenings.
  • A hotel room on the night before the course starts, or the night after the course ends.
  • Passport and visa fees.
  • Travel insurance. Participants should carry their own health and travel insurance.

Participants are required to carry their own health and travel insurance in case of accident or unforeseen circumstances.

 

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